Iraq vs Norway Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

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Iraq vs Norway kicks off Group I on Tuesday 16th June 2026 at 11:00pm BST, with both sides finally back on the World Cup stage at Gillette Stadium after long waits. Graham Arnold has Iraq organised, disciplined, and tough to break down, while Ståle Solbakken’s Norway side play with far more attacking intent. Iraq come in off a solid run of results, grinding out wins and draws, whereas Norway have been a bit more open, scoring freely but not always flawless at the back. So what happens when a compact, patient side meets one built around direct attacking power? That’s exactly what this Iraq vs Norway delves into, with team news, likely lineups, and our top betting tips.

Iraq vs Norway

So Iraq come in with a steady run of results in qualifying. Norway, though, bring a completely different vibe. They’ve been scoring freely and have some serious attacking firepower. You think of Erling Haaland straight away, still leading the line for Manchester City. But it’s not just him. Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal pulls the strings, and players like Alexander Sørloth, at Atletico Madrid, give them even more options going forward.

Iraq vs Norway Team News

Iraq arrive with a very different profile, but there is still plenty of quality throughout the squad. Graham Arnold has built a side that is organised, disciplined and willing to work hard out of possession. Aymen Hussein remains the main attacking focal point, while Ali Jassim and Zidane Iqbal provide creativity and technical quality through midfield. Iqbal, now continuing his development in European football after coming through Manchester United’s academy, could have a big role to play if Iraq are to trouble Norway.

The return of veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan also gives Iraq an important boost. His experience and leadership could prove valuable on football’s biggest stage.

Norway’s attacking options will naturally grab most of the attention. Erling Haaland arrives after another demanding season with Manchester City and remains the player every opponent fears. Alongside him, Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sørloth offers a different but equally dangerous threat, while Antonio Nusa brings pace and directness from wide areas.

Martin Ødegaard continues to be the heartbeat of the Norwegian side. The Arsenal captain is expected to take most set pieces and corners, while Haaland remains the leading penalty taker. Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson also provides quality delivery from deeper positions and adds plenty of energy down the flank.

Likely Lineups

Iraq

Jalal Hassan; Hussein Ali, Rebin Sulaka, Frans Putros, Merchas Doski; Zidane Iqbal, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh; Ali Jassim, Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi.

Norway

Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigård, David Møller Wolfe; Sander Berge, Martin Ødegaard, Fredrik Aursnes; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth.

Iraq vs Norway Betting Tips

You’re probably looking at this and thinking Norway have the edge. But Iraq aren’t just here to make up the numbers. They’ve been grinding out results, keeping games tight, and frustrating teams.

This match feels like a contrast: Norway’s attacking threat vs Iraq’s defensive structure. That usually leads to one thing, a competitive game, not a blowout.

Iraq vs Norway Match Prediction

Norway have more firepower. Haaland alone changes how teams defend, and if Ødegaard is pulling the strings, they’ll create chances.

But Iraq won’t make it easy. They sit deep and pick moments carefully. Still, over time, you’d back Norway to find a way through.

Match Prediction: Norway to win. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Correct Score Tips

A tight game feels likely here. Iraq don’t concede many, and Norway might need patience. 1 or 2 goals for Norway feels right. 

Correct Score Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

This doesn’t scream high-scoring from the start. Iraq’s recent games have been cagey, and they’ll try to slow things down again.

• Under 3.5 goals feels safe
• Over 1.5 goals still looks reasonable with Norway’s attack

Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Bet Builder Tip

A simple one that makes sense:

• Norway to win
• Under 3.5 total goals
• Haaland to score anytime

That kind of combo lines up with how the game is likely to unfold.

Bet Builder Tip: Norway to win, under 3.5 goals, and Haaland to score anytime. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Iraq are playing at their first World Cup since 1986
• Norway return to the tournament for the first time since 1998
• Iraq’s recent results show strong defensive organisation
• Norway have scored freely in recent qualifying campaigns
• This is the first major tournament meeting between the sides

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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

Who will win between Iraq and Norway?

Norway go in as favourites thanks to their attacking quality, but Iraq could make it a tough contest.

What time is the Iraq vs Norway match?

Kick-off is at 11:00pm BST on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Where is the Iraq vs Norway game being played?

The match takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

What is the likely score?